Not in any order of IMPoRTANCE:
LDS General Conference
Our Car
Allen
Our children and grandchildren
Lovely home and yard
An income
Friends
Great Ward and Neighborhood
Computers
Sunshine
Atonement
Modern Technology and Conveniences
Family Search
Extended Family
Health
Eyesight
Mobility
My heart is filled with gratitude. Thank you Heavenly Father!
Watching the news makes me so painfully aware of the insignificance of THINGS/STUFF in our lives.
We see the haunting images of the wonderful people of the Ukraine and how they are fleeing their homes with a suitcase - or less. Their children carry one beloved stuffed pet and that is the extent of the THINGS they are able to talk with them as they escape from their beloved homeland. It is heart wrenching and so very sad to watch. I cannot express my hatred for PUTIN and what he is doing to that country and to the world.
So, today, as I was leaving the gym, I thought about leaving with a back pack or suitcase...what would I consider the most valuable and what would I carry with me?
But, it also made me realize that I have so many belongings that make my life easier, better, and lovely.
I began to think about THINGS and what I have and enjoy:
Car, pick-up, computer, laptop, phone, watch, desk, art supplies, games, fridge, stove, oven, home, beds, much clothing, books, more books, scrap books, pictures, shoes, dishwasher, clothes washer and dryer, credit card, money, furniture, yard, scriptures, electricity, hot water, games to play, crossword puzzle books, dishes, hanging pictures on our walls, plaques, clocks, watch, blanket, bedding, television, memorabilia, socks, underwear, pens, pencils, writing tablets, tea warmer, blender, instant pot, cooking utensils, outdoor furniture, outdoor decor, purse, suitcases, jewelry, swim suit, printer, keyboard (piano), cd player, food, more food, eye glasses, etc.
I am so grateful for all the THINGS that make up my life. I honestly do not know what I would cram into a small suitcase if I were forced to leave St George and start a new life somewhere.
Oh, I have so much gratitude in my heart for my life and the richness that surrounds me.
THANK YOU, Dear Heavenly Father.
And, I continue to plead for the beautiful people of the Ukraine.
Oh, I'm so grateful for good friends and family members.
I feel so very blessed.
Russia just invaded UKRAINE; a former member of the USSR. It's just horrible and totally unprovoked.
And, the bottom line is; the innocent will be the ones to die.
They are not the ones who asked for this war. But they will be the ones to suffer.....
Homes and buildings destroyed; lives upended, starvation, hunger, innocent children left to wonder what happened to their peaceful lives....
IT IS SO VERY UGLY.
And, so are the men who start these wards from their lofty towers in their snug places while the vulnerable suffer.
So, while my heart aches for the ukrainians, I give great thanks for the peace in my own life.
Thank you, Heavenly Father, for peace in this little corner of the world.
Bill and Donna came to visit us. She wanted us to meet her friend.
We went to dinner at Paula's. And, that is where I met an angel.
Her name is Carol Staheli. Immediately I felt such a kinship; she had the most pleasant countenance ever.
And, then I heard her story.
Three marriages.
Two babies born and die within one day.
Two handicapped children that are still living but who cause her great sorrow because of their lives.
One daughter - a Saint - died suddenly at age 42 of an embolism.
And, now, a fourth marriage....to someone who has never treated her so well. She is filled with joy and delighted us as she showed us her home. Every little thing brought her joy; a clothes dryer! a dishwasher! an eating counter! Empty cupboards! Room for food storage! A view to die for! Front and back patios to enjoy the evenings and mornings!
She was so happy to be in her home, which her husband said was just tiny compared to homes he has lived in.
Oh, she was a jewel. She radiated goodness and patience and faith and happiness.
I was so grateful to have met her.
Thank you, dear Heavenly Father, for the gift of people and meeting new people and feeling JOY at the lives they share.
Here's what Brad Wilcox recently said about leaving the church:
You will miss these things in your wanderings:
G = Godhead
O = Only true church
S = Spirit of Holy Ghost
P = Priesthood
E = Everyone is included
L = Living Prophets
I really liked this.
And, I'm so thankful for this spelling it out....get it...spelling it out.
